Buy a Historical Image for Commercial or Non-Profit Use
You can purchase digital files and prints of historical images for commercial or non-profit use in projects such as print, advertising, films, display, presentations, videos and websites.
Permission from the Wisconsin Historical Society is necessary for any use of historical images other than display in the purchaser's private residence.
Follow the steps below to start the process.
Read Terms of Use
When you complete the purchase of a Wisconsin Historical Image you agree to these terms of use:
- You agree to accept all legal responsibility for questions of copyright, literary rights or invasion of privacy that may arise from copying or making use of the image(s).
- You agree not to sell, publish, share, reproduce, publicly display, broadcast or redistribute the image(s) in any format without first obtaining written permission from the Wisconsin Historical Society and paying a permission fee.
- You agree you will not copy the image(s) in any form or by any means, including making prints from digital files, nor will you allow others to do so.
- You acknowledge that during processing the aspect ratio of the image is maintained. This can result in the size of the actual image being slightly different from the size ordered. However, the size of the print will be as close as possible to the size ordered.
- You acknowledge that your purchased image(s) will be printed on semi-gloss paper (except for maps and documents, which will be printed on matte paper).
- You agree to pay all costs in advance of receiving the image.
Submit Permission Request Form
Permission Request Form (PDF)
Send the completed form to:
Wisconsin Historical Society
Attn: Lisa Marine, WHI Business Manager
816 State Street, Room 407
Madison, WI 53706-1482
Fax: 608-264-6472Submit Payment
BUYNOTE: If you are with a tax exempt organization in Wisconsin, please contact Lisa Marine at 608-264-6475 or lisa.marine@wisconsinhistory.org before making your purchase. Tax is not charged to orders from outside Wisconsin.
When we receive your Permission Request Form, permission fee and payment for the images, we will mail you a Letter of Permission granting specific rights for use of images in your project. We will also send you receipts for both permission fees and image purchases.
Learn More
FAQs About Buying Historical Images
Search Visual Materials in Our Collections
Have Questions?
Contact Lisa Marine, WHI Business Manager, by phone at 608-264-6475 or by email below:
lisa.marine@wisconsinhistory.org
Mailing Address:
Wisconsin Historical Society
Attn: Lisa Marine, WHI Business Manager
816 State Street, Room 407
Madison, WI 53706-1482
Fax: 608-264-6472